Info-Guide - Permits and Licences Required for Certain Types of Businesses

This document has been prepared by Info entrepreneurs on the basis of information provided by Canada Business in order to meet the growing demand from business people for strategic information. Apart from requirements that all businesses have to follow in order to operate*, a number of them must also obtain renewable permits, delivered  by Provincial or Federal Departments.  While most of your questions will be answered in this document, it is not intended to be exhaustive. Further information can be obtained by contacting Info entrepreneurs at 514 496-4636, Ressources Entreprises at 418 649-4636 or, across the province, at 1-800-322-4636.

*Note: A list of the preliminary steps for starting up a business is available at point 1.3 of the Info-Guide  Start-Up and Expansion.

What follows is the list of the main categories of businesses requiring specific permits to operate. Moreover, all municipalities have requirements and bylaws. Before going ahead with your business project, you should find out what conditions prevail in your municipality.

All commercial businesses must also follow the law concerning business operating hours in commercial establishments, this law is administered by the minstère du Développement économique, de l'Innovation et de l'Exportation (MDEIE): http://www2.publicationsduquebec.gouv.qc.ca/dynamicSearch/telecharge.php?type=2&file=//H_2_1//H2_1.htm (In French only)

Also on the Internet:

E-Forms and Services from the Government of Canada
http://canadabusiness.gc.ca/gol/cbec/site.nsf/en/bg00254.html

Programs and Services Directory for the Government of Québec  
http://www.formulaire.gouv.qc.ca/ (In French only)

Alcohol

• Manufacture, distribution and storage of alcoholic beverages storage (In French only)
• Alcohol Permit
  Régie des alcools, des courses et des jeux: 514 873-3577, 418 643-7667 or 1-800-363-0320
  http://www.racj.gouv.qc.ca/index_en.asp

Agricultural lands

• Permit for construction on land zoned agricultural (In French only)
  Commission de protection du territoire agricole du Québec (CPTAQ): 450 442-7100, 1-800-361-2090, 418 643-3314, or 1-800-667-5294
  http://www.cptaq.gouv.qc.ca (In French only)

Ambulance services

• Operating licence and ambulance technician card (In French only)
  Agences de développement de réseaux locaux de services de santé et de services sociaux: 514 286-6500, 418 525-1500
  http://www.msss.gouv.qc.ca (In French only)

Amusement (machine)

• Operation permit
  Régie des alcools des courses et des jeux: 514 873-3577, 418 643-7667 or 1-800-363-0320 http://www.racj.gouv.qc.ca/index_en.asp

Animal

• Permit for the operation of a livestock auction (In French only)
  Ministère de l'Agriculture, des Pêcheries et de l'Alimentation du Québec: 418 380-2130 or 1-800-463-6210
  http://www.mapaq.gouv.qc.ca/fr/accueil (In French only)
  
  
• Permit for the keeping of animals in captivity (In French only)
  Ministère des Ressources naturelles et de la Faune: 418 627-8600 or 1-800-248-3936
  http://www.mrnf.gouv.qc.ca/english/home.jsp

Archaeological research

• Archaeological research permit (In French only)
  Ministère de la Culture et des Communications (MCC): 514 873-2255 or 418 380-2346
  http://www.mcc.gouv.qc.ca/  (In French only)

Car dealerships (sales/ rentals of new or used cars)

• Tax information  (TVQ-GST) (In French only)
  Ministère du Revenu du Québec: 514 864-6299 or 1-800-267-6299, 418 659-6299 or 1-800-267-6299
  http://www.revenu.gouv.qc.ca/eng/ministere/index.asp
  
  
• Legal garantee (In French only)
• Rights and obligations when signing a contract (In French only)
  Office de la protection du consommateur: 514 253-6556, 418 643-1484, 1-888-672-2556
  http://www.opc.gouv.qc.ca/e_HotLine/map_Site.asp
  

• Licence for dealer and car recycling (In French only)
  Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec: 418 528-3232 http://www.saaq.gouv.qc.ca/formulaires/5752-5.pdf  (In French only)

City of Montreal
514 872-1111, Voice capsules: 514 872-2237
http://ville.montreal.qc.ca/portal/page?_pageid=66,66713&_dad=portal&_schema=PORTAL

City of Québec
418 641-6183
http://www.ville.quebec.qc.ca/en/accueil/index.shtml

Collection agencies

• Permit (In French only)
  Office de la protection du consommateur: 514 253-6556, 418 643-1484, 1-888-672-2556
  http://www.opc.gouv.qc.ca/e_HotLine/map_Site.asp

Commercial fishing (salt water)
See the document  Commercial Fishing Licenses
Pêches et Océans Canada: 418 648-7747
http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Commercial fishing (fresh water)

• Management of commercial fishing permits (In French only)
• Operation permit: Fish farming and aquaculture (In French only)
  Ministère de l'Agriculture, des Pêcheries et de l'Alimentation du Québec: 418 380-2110 or 1-888-222-MAPA (6272)
  http://www.mapaq.gouv.qc.ca/fr/accueil (In French only)

Construction/Renovation

• Building contractor's licences (In French only)
• General and specialised contractor's licences: construction (In French only)
  Régie du bâtiment du Québec: 514 873-0976, 418 643-7150, or 1-800-361-0761
  http://www.rbq.gouv.qc.ca/dirEnglish/index.asp

Contractor

• General contractor sub-categories: required licenses
• Special trade contractor sub-categories: required licences
  Régie du bâtiment du Québec: 450 680-6380, 1-800-361-9252 or 418 643-7150, 1-800-463-2221
  http://www.rbq.gouv.qc.ca/dirEnglish/index.asp

Cultural Property

• Permit for the restauration of a cultural property (In French only)
  Ministère de la Culture et des Communications (MCC): 514 873-2255 or 418 380-2346
  http://www.mcc.gouv.qc.ca (In French only)

Daycare centres

• Establishment of an early childhood centre or a day-care centre (In French only)
• Home day care (In French only)
  Ministère de la Famille, des Aînés et de la Condition féminine: 514 873-7200, 418 644-6955 or 1-866-640-9919
  http://www.mfacf.gouv.qc.ca/thematiques/famille/administration-service-de-garde/index_en.asp

Dairy plant

• Dairy plant operating licence (In French only)
  Ministère de l'Agriculture, des Pêcheries et de l'Alimentation du Québec: (418) 380-2130 or 1-800-463-6210
  http://www.mapaq.gouv.qc.ca/fr/accueil  (In French only)

Door-to-door sales

• Travelling salesperson permit (In French only)
  Office de la protection du consommateur: 514 253-6556, 418 643-1484, 1-888-672-2556
    http://www.opc.gouv.qc.ca/e_HotLine/map_Site.asp

Driving schools

• Regulation for businesses with successive execution contracts (In French only)
  Office de la protection du consommateur: 514 253-6556, 418 643-1484, 1-888-672-2556
  http://www.opc.gouv.qc.ca/e_HotLine/map_Site.asp    

Drugs/therapeutic products (manufacturing, distribution, sale)
Law and regulation on food and drug: see the document  Therapeutic Products
Santé Canada  - Therapeutic products Branch: 613 941-0827
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca

Electricity

• Electrical contractor's licence (In French only)
  Corporation des maîtres électriciens du Québec: (514) 738-2184 or 1-800-361-9061
  http://www.cmeq.org  (In French only)

Embalmer

• Embalmer permit (In French only)
  Agences de développement de réseaux locaux de services de santé et de services sociaux: 418 525-1500 ext. 482
  http://www.msss.gouv.qc.ca/en/

Explosives (sales, storage, transportation)

• Regulation - hazardous materials (In French only)
  Ministère des Transports du Québec:  1-888-355-0511
  http://www.mtq.gouv.qc.ca/en/camionnage/matieres_dangereuses/index.asp
  
• Law and regulation on explosives
  See the document  Regulation of Explosives
  Ressources naturelles du Canada - Direction de la réglementation des explosifs: 450 652-3999
  http://www.nrcan.gc.ca/mms/explosif

Food industry: preparation/sale)

• Permit - preparation and sale of food (In French only)
  Ministère de l'Agriculture, des Pêcheries et de l'Alimentation du Québec: 418 380-2130 or 1-800-463-6210
  http://www.mapaq.gouv.qc.ca/fr/accueil
  
• Food and Drug Regulations
  See the document  Food
  Health Canada - Food Regulatory Program: 1-800-442-2342
  http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca  

Foreign exchange offices
Your municipality

Funeral Director

• Funeral director permit (In French only)
  Agences de développement de réseaux locaux de services de santé et de services sociaux : 418 525-1500 ext. 482
  http://www.rrsss03.gouv.qc.ca  (In French only)

Garages, repair shops

• Car services industry - Decree (In French only)
  Ministère du Travail -  Direction des décrets: 418 643-4415
  http://www.travail.gouv.qc.ca  (In French only)
  
  
• Car repair (In French only)
  Office de la protection du consommateur: 514 253-6556, 418 643-1484, 1-888-672-2556
  http://www.opc.gouv.qc.ca/e_HotLine/map_Site.asp  
  
  
• Licence for dealer and car recycling (In French only)
  Société de l'assurance automobile: 514 873-7620,  418 643-7620 or 1-800-361-7620
  http://www.saaq.gouv.qc.ca/formulaires/5752-5.pdf (In French only)

Grains

• Permits : Grain dealers and other grain users (In French only)
  Régie des marchés agricoles et alimentaires du Québec (RMAAQ): 514 873-4024, 418 833-5143
  http://www.rmaaq.gouv.qc.ca/_private/Page_Montage/Visite_Regie.htm

Health studios

• Operation permit (In French only)
  Office de la protection du consommateur: 514 253-6556, 418 643-1484, 1-888-672-2556
  http://www.opc.gouv.qc.ca/e_HotLine/map_Site.asp

Household electrical appliance repairs

• Mandatory legal garantee (In French only)
  Office de la protection du consommateur: 514 253-6556, 418 643-1484, 1-888-672-2556
  http://www.opc.gouv.qc.ca/e_HotLine/map_Site.asp

Hunting

• Trading and exporting pelts (In French only)
  Ministère des Ressources naturelles et de la Faune: 418 627-8600 or 1-800-248-3936
  http://www.mrnfp.gouv.qc.ca/english/home.jsp

Import (textile & clothing)
See the document  Import Permits
Imports - Textiles and Clothing: 613 996-3711, 1-800-267-8376 

Export (for certain strategic products)
See the document  Export Permits
International Trade Canada (ITCan): 613 996-2387, 1-800-267-8376
http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca

Import and export: other criteria
See the document  Requirements for Imports and Exports of Prohibited and Controlled Goods - Other Federal Government Departments: Other Federal Government
Export and Import Controls Bureau (EICB) of ITCan : 1-877-808-8838

Language schools

• Regulation for businesses with successive execution contracts  (In French only)
• Rights and obligations when signing a contract (In French only)
  Office de la protection du consommateur: 514 253-6556, 418 643-1484, 1-888-672-2556
  http://www.opc.gouv.qc.ca/e_HotLine/map_Site.asp

Lotteries/Casinos/Bingos

• Bingo Licences (In French only)
• Lottery scheme (In French only)
• Publicity contest (In French only)
  Régie des alcools des courses et des jeux: 514 873-3577, 418 643-7667 or 1-800-363-0320
  http://www.racj.gouv.qc.ca/index_en.asp  

Laboratory

• Private clinical laboratory operating licence (In French only)
  Private laboratory permit (In French only)
  Laboratoire de santé publique du Québec: 514 457-2070
  http://www.inspq.qc.ca/english/default.asp?A=7

Lending of money (money lender)

• Money lender permit (In French only)
  Office de la protection du consommateur: 514 253-6556, 418 643-1484, 1-888-672-2556
  http://www.opc.gouv.qc.ca/e_HotLine/map_Site.asp

Mail order sales / Mail-order selling

• Mail order sales (mail, telephone, Internet) (In French only)
  Office de la protection du consommateur: 514 253-6556, 418 643-1484, 1-888-672-2556
  http://www.opc.gouv.qc.ca/e_HotLine/map_Site.asp

Mines

• Prospecting permit (In French only)
  Ministère Ressources naturelles et de la Faune: 418 627-6278 or 1-800-363-7233
  http://www.mrnfp.gouv.qc.ca/english/home.jsp

Government Departments - Permits

• Ministère de l'Agriculture, des Pêcheries et de l'Alimentation http://www.mapaq.gouv.qc.ca/Fr/md/Permis/
  
• Ministère des Ressources naturelles et de la Faune
  http://www.mrnf.gouv.qc.ca/permis/index.jsp

Movies, theatres, drive-ins

• Permit   (Distribution, retail, film presentation) (In French only)
  Régie du Cinéma: 514 873-2371 or 1-800-463-2463
  http://www.rcq.gouv.qc.ca/mult/home.asp?lng=en

Natural Gas

• Operating licence for a gaz storage or distribution facility  (In French only)
  Régie du bâtiment du Québec (RBQ): 418 646-7714 or 1-866-262-2085
  http://www.rbq.gouv.qc.ca/dirEnglish/index.asp

Outfitters

• Outfitter's licence and leases of exclusive rights (In French only)
  Ministère des Ressources naturelles et de la Faune: 418 627-8600 or 1-866-248-3936
  http://www.mrnfp.gouv.qc.ca/english/home.jsp

Commercial and specific permits

• Ministère des Ressources natuelles et de la Faune: Commercial and specific licence fees
  Ministère des Ressources naturelles et de la Faune: 418 627-8600 or 1-866-248-3936
  http://www.mrnf.gouv.qc.ca/english/home.jsp

Pesticides, fertilizers (sale, use of)

• Permits/certificates   (In French only)
  Ministère du Développement durable, de l'Environnement et des Parcs: 418 521-3830 or 1-800-561-1616
  http://www.mddep.gouv.qc.ca/pesticides/inter_en.htm
  
• Pest Control Products, Act and Regulations
  See the document  Pesticides
  Santé Canada - Agence de réglementation de la lutte antiparasitaire: 514 283-8888

Petroleum products

• Petroleum products and equipment: permit for use   (In French only)
  Ministère Ressources naturelles et de la Faune: 418 627-6385 or 1-800-627-1420
  http://www.mrn.gouv.qc.ca/english/home.jsp
   

• Hydrocarbon exploration and development (In French only)
  Ministère Ressources naturelles et de la Faune: 418 627-6385 1-800-267-1420, ext. 8255
  http://www.mrn.gouv.qc.ca/english/home.jsp
   

• Tobacco and gasoline: certificate, permit and label (In French only)
  Ministère du Revenu du Québec: 514 864-6299 or 1-800-267-6299, 418 659-6299 or 1-800-267-6299
  http://www.revenu.gouv.qc.ca/eng/ministere/index.asp

Plumbing/Heating

• Plumbing and/or heating contractor licence   (In French only)
  Corporation des maîtres mécaniciens en tuyauterie du Québec (CMMTQ): 514 382-2668 or 1-800-465-2668
  http://www.cmmtq.org (In French only)

Private education (private school)

• Opening of a private educational institution   (In French only)
  Ministère de l'Éducation, du Loisir et du Sport: 418 643-8156
  http://www.mels.gouv.qc.ca/GR-PUB/m_englis.htm

Real estate

• Real estate agent and real estate broker certificate (In French only)
  Association des courtiers et agents immobiliers du Québec (ACAIQ): 450 676-4800 or 1-800-440-5110
  http://www.acaiq.com (In French only)
  

Rental under Lease

• Contract: long term rental (In French only)
  Office de la protection du consommateur: 514 253-6556, 418 643-1484, 1-888-672-2556
  http://www.opc.gouv.qc.ca/e_HotLine/map_Site.asp
  
• Register of personal and movable real rights
  Ministère de la Justice (liens bancaires) Direction du registre des droits personnels et réels mobiliers: 514 864-4949, 418 646-4949 or 1-800-465-4949
  http://www.justice.gouv.qc.ca/english/accueil.asp

Restaurant

• Food Service Establishment Permit (In French only)
  Ministère de l'Agriculture, des Pêcheries et de l'Alimentation du Québec: 418 380-2130 or 1-800-463-6210
  http://www.mapaq.gouv.qc.ca/Fr/Restauration/md/Permis/restaudetaillant.htm  (In French only)

Royal Canadian Mounted Police
http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca

Sea products

• Processing and canning of sea products (In French only)
  Ministère de l'Agriculture, des Pêcheries et de l'Alimentation du Québec: 418 380-2130 1-800-463-6210
  http://www.mapaq.gouv.qc.ca/fr/accueil (In French only)

Security & investigation agency

• Permit (Agent) (In French only)
  Sûreté du Québec: 514 598-4504, 418 624-2459
• Permit (Agency) (In French only)
  Ministère de la Sécurité publique: 418 644-2055 or 1-866-644-6826
  http://www.msp.gouv.qc.ca/police/police_en.asp?txtSection=secprive&txtCategorie=permis 

Senior citizen residences (non-autonomous)

• Opening of a residence for senior citizens (In French only)
  Agences de développement de réseaux locaux de services de santé et de services sociaux: 514 286-6500 or 418 525-1500
  http://www.msss.gouv.qc.ca/en

Slaughterhouse

• Permits for slaughterhouse, meat processing shops and meat products (In French only)
  Ministère de l'Agriculture, des Pêcheries et de l'Alimentation du Québec: 418 380-2130 or 1-800-463-5023
  http://www.mapaq.gouv.qc.ca/fr/accueil  (In French only)

Sugar bush

• Permit for sugar bush management for acericultural purposes (In French only)
  Ministère des Ressources naturelles et de la Faune / Forêt Québec: 418 627-8600 or 1-866-248-6936
  http://www.mrnf.gouv.qc.ca/english/home.jsp

Transport

• Transportation by taxi services (In French only)
• Permit for the carriage of passengers by sea (In French only)
• Bus transportation (In French only)
• One-Stop Center for Carriers (In French only)
  Commission des transports du Québec: 1-888-461-2433
  http://www.ctq.gouv.qc.ca/joindre/choix-ang.htm

• Transport of dangerous substances
  Info-camionnage (Ministère des Transports) : 1-888-355-0511
  http://www1.mtq.gouv.qc.ca/en/publications/camionnage/infocam/index.asp

Travel agencies

• Permit (In French only)
  Office de la protection du consommateur: 514 253-6556, 418 643-1484, 1-888-672-2556
  http://www.opc.gouv.qc.ca/e_HotLine/map_Site.asp

Tourist facilities

• Classification certificate / tourist accommodation establishments (In French only)
  Minsitère du Tourisme: 418 643-2230 or 1-800-463-5009
  http://www.bonjourquebec.com/mto/programmes/hebergement/index.html(In French only)

Upholstery businesses

• Permit (In French only)
  Ministère du Développement économique, de l'Innovation et de l'Exportation (MDEIE): 514 499-2176, 418 691-5950 or 1-800-539-7078 ext. 3182
  http://www.mdeie.gouv.qc.ca (In French only)

Vidéo lottery terminal

• Video lottery terminal: permit  (In French only)
  Régie des alcools, des courses et des jeux: 514 873-3577, 418 643-7667 ou 1-800-363-0320
  http://www.racj.gouv.qc.ca/index_en.asp

Videocassettes (rentals or sales)

• Permit (Distribution, retail, film presentation)
  http://www.rcq.gouv.qc.ca/outils/Dde_permis_d.pdf
  Régie du cinéma: (514) 873-2405 or 1-800-463-2463
  http://www.rcq.gouv.qc.ca/mult/home.asp?lng=en

Wood

• Management permit for the supply of a wood processing plant (In French only)
• Management permit for the harvest of firewood for commercial purposes (In French only)
  Ministère des Ressources naturelles et de la Faune/Forêt Québec: 418 627-8652 or 1-866-248-6936
  http://www.mrn.gouv.qc.ca/english/home.jsp

Discover many other documents, tools and interesting links pertaining in the Tool Box, What You Must Know and Links of Interest sections of our Website.

• Info-Guide - Exporters
• Info-Guide - Start-Up and Expansion
• Info-Guide - Social Economy
• Info-Guide - Young Entrepreneurs
• Info-Guide - Employment and Training
• Info-Guide - Aboriginal Businesses
• Info-Guide - Self-Employment
• Info-Guide - Multimedia
• Info-Guide - E-Business
• Info-Guide - Technological and Strategic Intelligence
• Info-Guide - Innovation, Research and Development
• Info-Guide - Women Entrepreneurs
• Starting a Convenience Store
• Starting a Bed and Breakfast

DISCLAIMER
Information contained in this document is of a general nature only and is not intended to constitute advice for any specific fact situation. Users concerned about the reliability of the information should consult directly with the source, or seek legal counsel.

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